Fabio Pampararo

A Multilevel Approach for the Optimal Control of Distributed Energy Resources and Storage

An approach is proposed to deal with distributed energy resources, renewables and storage devices connected to microgrids. Specifically, a multilevel architecture is introduced and evaluated for the following main purposes: to reduce the computational complexity, to deal with different decentralized microgrids, different decision makers, and multiple objectives. A two-level decision architecture based on a Model Predictive Control (MPC) scheme is presented, in which the upper decision level has the function of fixing the values of a certain set of parameters (reference values), by assuming a certain structure of the control strategies to be applied at the lower decision level. On the basis of such parameters, each decision maker at the lower level solves its own optimization problem by tracking the reference values provided by the upper level. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated. The application of the proposed control architecture to a specific case study (Savona, Italy) is presented and discussed.

A Feedback Linearization Control Scheme for the Integration of Wind Energy Conversion Systems Into Distribution Grids

This paper focuses on the development of a control strategy for integration of wind energy conversion systems (WECS) into the electrical distribution networks with particular attention to the combined provision of energy and ancillary services. Typically, a WECS is composed by a variable speed wind turbine coupled with a direct driven permanent magnet (DDPM) synchronous generator. This configuration offers a considerable flexibility in design and operation of the power unit, as its output is delivered to the grid through a fully controlled frequency converter. Here, a new control scheme to regulate electrical and mechanical quantities of such generation unit is proposed, aimed both at reaching optimal performances in terms of power delivered to the grid and at providing the voltage support ancillary service at the point of common coupling. The control scheme is derived resorting to the feedback linearization (FBL) technique, which allows both decoupling and linearization of a non linear multiple input multiple output system. Several numerical simulations are then performed in order to show how the flexibility of the DDPM wind generator can be fully exploited, thanks to the use of the FBL approach, which assures independent control of each variable and significant simplifications in controller synthesis and system operation, thus making it easier to integrate WECS into modern day smart grids.

A system of systems model for the control of the university of Genoa Smart Polygeneration Microgrid

Experimental tests and demonstration projects are very useful to derive new methods and tools for the optimal control of smart grids. In this work, the University of Genoa Smart Polygeneration Microgrid (SPM) is firstly presented, in connection with the different sub-systems that compose the overall system. Then, a simplified mathematical dynamic model, that can be used for optimal control purposes, is described. Finally, a dynamic optimization problem is formalized and solved.

Planning and management of sustainable microgrids: The test-bed facilities at the University of Genoa

The aim of this paper is to describe the system composed by the SPM (Smart Polygeneration Microgrid) feeding the SEB (Sustainable Energy Building) at the University of Genoa (Savona Campus), and to assess the Campus operating costs, CO2 emissions, and primary energy annual savings determined by the combined SPM-SEB system. This work highlights the main difference between two scenarios (AS-IS and TO-BE) with specific reference to operation and management of various power units. As demonstrated by the work, besides research and testing of new devices, the SPM-SEB can be used also for demonstration and teaching activities, and contributes to increase the overall energy efficiency of the Campus, lowering its primary energy consumption.

An optimization algorithm for the operation planning of the University of Genoa smart polygeneration microgrid

The aim of this paper is to describe the Smart Polygeneration Microgrid (SPM), which is being constructed at the Savona Campus of the Genoa University, also thanks to funding from the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (amount 2.4 Million Euros). Specifically, a detailed model of the grid is presented and an optimization problem is defined, in order to achieve suitable goals, like the minimization of the production costs or the maximization of power quality or environmental indices.

The Smart Polygeneration Microgrid test-bed facility of Genoa University

The aim of this paper is to describe the Smart Polygeneration Microgrid (SPM), which is going to be constructed at the Savona Campus of the Genoa University, also thanks to funding from the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research. Besides producing renewable and high efficiency energy for the University Campus, the SPM will constitute a test-bed facility for research, development and testing of management strategies, devices and components for smart grid applications. The main features of this infrastructure will be outlined, pointing out its peculiarities, such as the use of the IEC 61850 protocol and a close integration between electric and heating networks. Furthermore, the activities which will be carried out thanks to the SPM and the challenges in its operation and optimal management will be discussed, in the context of the current research on microgrid and smart grid technologies.

A technique for the optimal control and operation of grid-connected photovoltaic production units

The strong and intense increase of the number of Photovoltaic production plants has slowly changed the asset and the operation conditions of the electric system. The aim of the present work is to introduce an innovative optimized control strategy to exploit the reactive power resource generated by photovoltaic plants in order to improve the quality and efficiency of the low/medium voltage distribution network. Here, a methodology to define the optimal reactive power reference for every photovoltaic unit of the network is presented in order to pursue a well-defined goal, such as the minimization of the Joule losses or the voltage support. Such reference signals are then provided to the photovoltaic control systems that will guarantee the decoupling between the reactive power channel and the active power one, thanks to the use of the FeedBack Linearization (FBL) control technique. The problem is here formulated in a general way, therefore it can be extended to any possible grid configuration and test case scenario.

A receding-horizon approach for active and reactive power flows optimization in microgrids

An approach based on a receding-horizon control scheme is here proposed for the optimal control of active and reactive power flows in microgrids (an aggregation of distributed energy resources (DER) of small size (such as photovoltaics, wind generation, cogeneration units - CHP, concentrated solar power - CSP, mini-hydro, energy storage)). Microgrids represent today one of the most promising technology for DERs integration, as they can alleviate management and monitoring burden for the Distribution System Operator (DSO) by clustering several DERs in a single entity which interacts with the grid as a single source. The formalized decision model is applied to an innovative test-bed facility (the University of Genova Smart Polygeneration Microgrid).

The smart microgrid pilot project of the University of Genoa: Power and communication architectures

The aim of this paper is to describe the Smart Polygeneration Microgrid (SPM) test-bed facility at the Savona Campus of the Genoa University. The SPM constitutes a pilot plant for research, development and testing of management strategies, devices and components for smart grid applications. The main features of this infrastructure will be outlined, focusing on its power and communication architecture, based on the use of the IEC 61850 protocol and on a close integration between electric and heating networks. Furthermore, the activities which will be carried out thanks to the SPM and the challenges in its operation and optimal management will be reported, in the context of the current research on microgrid and smart grid technologies.

Power system compensation and management strategies to meet EU 2020 climate&energygoals

This paper proposes a theoretical approach to quantify how some upgrading interventions on the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) electrical infrastructures could contribute to reach the so-called climate and energy EU 2020 targets, in terms of efficiency increase, CO2 reduction and a wider employ of renewable energy resources. The analyzed interventions concern with power system compensation and management strategies, with specific focus on the application of Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) and on the increase of the rated voltage.